Diepsloot, a township in Johannesburg, South Africa, was used as a case study to explore
the perceptions of people in informal settlements towards their role in limiting pollution
in their environment. The method followed was qualitative, and primary data were
collected through the use of key informants (Ward Councillor and Environmental Health
Officer), and three focus groups. Diepsloot is a marginalised residential area located in
the Northern perimeter of the City of Johannesburg. The settlement is spatially
fragmented, reflects a high residential density and is plagued with high levels of
unemployment and poverty. Compounded by poor municipal service delivery, these
challenges lead to a range of environmental problems such as overflowing solid waste on
the streets, water pollution, and high levels of indoor air pollution. The study found that
there were varying levels of commitment to limiting pollution by people in the informal
settlement. This (commitment to limiting pollution) was largely dependent on community
action through the formation of street committees. In streets where there was community
cohesion, street committees were stronger and environmental conditions were better. In
contrast, environmental problems were worse where street committees were weak or not
operating. Regarding the role of government, the major constraints leading to
unresponsive interventions were the limited scale of municipal operation and their poor
communication with residents. Suggested corrective measures include recycling,
education on pollution and the need for institutional strengthening. Further research
aimed at identifying a set of appropriate partnerships and institutions needed for
responsive interventions in informal settlements is required.

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en

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South Africa

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Pollution

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Community perceptions

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Informal settlements

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Ward councillor

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Environmental health officer

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Solid waste

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Air pollution

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Water pollution

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Local government

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Street committees

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The deterioration of the life support base: the perceptions of people in informal settlements towards limiting pollution in their environment